Inhibition of the Reactions Brought About by Dioxygen (o2) or Peroxides. Usually the Antioxidant Is Effective Because It Can Itself Be More Easily Oxidized Than the Substance Protected. the Term Is Often Applied to Components That Can Trap Free Radicals Thereby Breaking the Chain Reaction That Normally Leads to Extensive Biological Damage.

Catalysis of an Oxidation Reduction (redox) Reaction a Reversible Chemical Reaction in Which the Oxidation State of an Atom or Atoms Within a Molecule Is Altered. One Substrate Acts As a Hydrogen or Electron Donor and Becomes Oxidized While the Other Acts As Hydrogen or Electron Acceptor and Becomes Reduced.